FOWPAL Visits TU Dublin to Jointly Advocate for Sustainability, Inclusion, and Conscience-Driven Peace Values
The global peace exchange tour of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) brought the delegation to its 123rd nation, Ireland, from May 15 to 20. On May 18, President Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze led international volunteers to visit Ireland's largest technological university—Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). They were received by Dr. Brian Murphy, representing the president; Shauna Lawlor, responsible for Employee Engagement and campus wellbeing affairs; and Dr. Brian Gormley, Head of Sustainability Education, among others. The two sides engaged in profound exchanges on topics including sustainability education, diversity and inclusivity, youth empowerment, and peace values, while sharing experiences on how to cultivate values of respect, responsibility, and conscience through education, looking forward to joining hands to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for the next generation.
Dr. Brian Murphy initially extended a sincere welcome to the FOWPAL delegation using the renowned traditional Irish greeting "Céad Míle Fáilte." This greeting stands for "A Hundred Thousand Welcomes," symbolizing the spirit of warmth, inclusion, and friendliness inherent in Irish culture.
The university introduced that TU Dublin is the largest technological university in all of Ireland, as well as the nation's second-largest institution of higher education. The institution maintains collaboration with research entities related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, viewing sustainability as a paramount global issue today. Consequently, the concept of sustainability is integrated into the design of all disciplines and curricula to cultivate talents equipped with a global perspective and a sense of social responsibility.
FOWPAL shared with the university the journey and achievements of the Federation in promoting the concepts of love, peace, conscience, and sustainable development over many years, with footprints spanning 123 countries across the world's five continents. President Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze has led international volunteers to advance the philosophy of peace through cultural exchanges and conscience education. Furthermore, the organization has hosted the "World Leader Summit of Love and Peace" numerous times at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and Vienna, successfully facilitating the United Nations General Assembly's designation of the "International Day of Conscience" and the "International Day of Hope." These efforts seek to galvanize individuals from various nations to take collective action, uniting to confront current global challenges and co-create a peaceful and sustainable future.
The university specially extended its congratulations, considering this a rare and commendable international achievement that also underscores the vital significance of conscience and hope for contemporary society. The institution further proposed that for future FOWPAL activities related to these two United Nations days, they welcome further exchange and collaboration with TU Dublin. They also look forward to encouraging students to participate in relevant initiatives, jointly advancing education on conscience and peace.
The university also mentioned that the educational philosophy of TU Dublin shares many alignments with the principles of peace, conscience, and mutual respect that FOWPAL has long advocated. In particular, having experienced past conflict and a peace process, Ireland possesses a more profound understanding of the preciousness of peace, and thus places greater emphasis on cultivating the capacities for understanding and tolerance through education.
Dr. Murphy and others conducted an on-site campus tour for Dr. Hong and the FOWPAL delegation, introducing the architectural concept of the new school buildings. They emphasized that the structures incorporate a vast amount of permeable and transparent design, which not only allows natural light to fully illuminate the interiors but also enables people to see the classroom situations, demonstrating an educational spirit of sharing, transparency, and openness.
Dr. Hong elucidated that FOWPAL is currently promoting the "Declaration of Transparency and Integrity," hoping to advance better governance and more harmonious social development through the practice of the values of transparency and integrity. He expressed that today, as the world faces myriad challenges, transparency and integrity are moreover crucial cornerstones for establishing trust and promoting collaboration.
Additionally, the Energy Boys and Energy Girls, formed by young FOWPAL volunteers, disseminated the philosophy of "Happiness is Everywhere" through song and dance on the TU Dublin campus. This initiative imparted joy and positive energy, infusing the exchange with youthful vitality and a warm atmosphere, while displaying the power of the younger generation in transmitting love and peace through action.